The writing of akathists (occasionally spelled ''acathist'') continues today as part of the general composition of an [[akolouthia]], especially in the Slavic tradition, although not all are widely known nor translated beyond the original language. Isaac E. Lambertsen <!-- ilector@acninc.net ---> has done a large amount of translation work, including many different akathists. Most of the newer akathists are pastiche, that is, a generic form imitating the original 6th century akathist into which a particular saint's name is inserted.

The writing of akathists (occasionally spelled ''acathist'') continues today as part of the general composition of an [[akolouthia]], especially in the Slavic tradition, although not all are widely known nor translated beyond the original language. Isaac E. Lambertsen <!-- ilector@acninc.net ---> has done a large amount of translation work, including many different akathists. Most of the newer akathists are pastiche, that is, a generic form imitating the original 6th century akathist into which a particular saint's name is inserted.

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There is more than one [[icon]] "of the Akathist": the [[Chilandari Monastery (Athos)|Hilandar]] icon ([[January 12]]), the [[Dionysiou Monastery (Athos)|Dionysiou]] icon ([[March 27]] and Fifth Saturday of [[Great Lent]]), and the [[Zographou Monastery (Athos)|Zographou]] icon ([[October 10]]).

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{{Services}}

==Structure==

==Structure==

The [[Trisagion Prayers]] are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a [[kontakion]] and an [[oikos]]. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a [[troparion]] and another kontakion. In some akathists, [[Psalms]] are also included.

The [[Trisagion Prayers]] are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a [[kontakion]] and an [[oikos]]. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a [[troparion]] and another kontakion. In some akathists, [[Psalms]] are also included.

[[Image:Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos icon.jpg|right|frame|Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos]]

[[Image:Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos icon.jpg|right|frame|Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos]]

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When the word ''akathist'' is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the [[Theotokos]], attributed to St. [[Roman the Melodist]] (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in [[Great Lent]]; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the [[Orthros]] of the fifth [[Saturday]] of [[Great Lent]]. In [[monastery|monasteries]] of [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at [[Compline]].

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When the word ''akathist'' is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the [[Theotokos]], attributed to St. [[Roman the Melodist]] (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in [[Great Lent]]; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the [[Orthros]] of the fifth Saturday of [[Great Lent]]. In [[monastery|monasteries]] of [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at [[Compline]].

The four sections into which the Akathist is divided correspond to the themes of the [[Annunciation]], [[Nativity]], [[Christ]], and the [[Theotokos]] herself.

The four sections into which the Akathist is divided correspond to the themes of the [[Annunciation]], [[Nativity]], [[Christ]], and the [[Theotokos]] herself.

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The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the ''Chairetismoi'' (from the ''Chaire!'' so often used in the hymn), consists of [[Compline]] with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the ''Madayeh''.

The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the ''Chairetismoi'' (from the ''Chaire!'' so often used in the hymn), consists of [[Compline]] with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the ''Madayeh''.

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'''Akathist of the'''

'''Akathist of the'''

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*[[Nativity of the Theotokos|Birth of the Theotokos]]

*[[Nativity of the Theotokos|Birth of the Theotokos]]

*[[Presentation of the Theotokos|Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple]]

*[[Presentation of the Theotokos|Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple]]

*[[Annunciation]]

*[[Annunciation]]

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*[[Protection of the Mother of God|Protection (or Covering) of the Theotokos]]

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*[[Protection of the Mother of God|Protection (or Covering) of the Theotokos]] - [http://www.angelfire.com/planet/parastos/akathistprotection.html 1]

*Akathist to the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord - [http://gnisios.narod.ru/aktomb.html 1], [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_elamaa_kantavalle_haudalle.htm 2] (Finnish), [http://www.angelfire.com/planet/parastos/akathisttomb.html 3]

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*Akathist to the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord - [http://gnisios.narod.ru/aktomb.html 1] [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_elamaa_kantavalle_haudalle.htm 2] (Finnish)

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*Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_kuolleista_nousseelle_Kristukselle.htm 1] (Finnish)

*Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_kuolleista_nousseelle_Kristukselle.htm 1] (Finnish)

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*Akathist "Glory to God for All Things" - The Akathist is often attributed to [[Priest]] Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to [[Metropolitan]] Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. [[John Chrysostom]] as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings. - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=27 1], [http://www.stchcathedral.org.bh/snippets/akathist.htm 2]

:The Akathist is often attributed to [[Priest]] Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to [[Metropolitan]] Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. [[John Chrysostom]] as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings.

An '''akathist''' (Greek, ''akathistos'') is a [[hymn]] dedicated to a [[saint]], [[Great Feasts|holy event]], or one of the persons of the [[Holy Trinity]]. The word ''akathist'' itself means "not sitting." The akathist ''par excellence'' is that written in the 6th century to the [[Theotokos]]. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during [[Great Lent]]), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, '''''Chairetismoi''''' and '''''Madayeh''''', respectively.

The writing of akathists (occasionally spelled ''acathist'') continues today as part of the general composition of an [[akolouthia]], especially in the Slavic tradition, although not all are widely known nor translated beyond the original language. Isaac E. Lambertsen <!-- ilector@acninc.net ---> has done a large amount of translation work, including many different akathists. Most of the newer akathists are pastiche, that is, a generic form imitating the original 6th century akathist into which a particular saint's name is inserted.

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===Other traditions===

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*[http://www.unicorne.org/orthodoxy/2005/akathist.htm Akathists For All Occasions: Praying from East to West] by Alexander Roman (Greek Catholic)

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*[http://hometown.aol.com/dangellbrown/akathistjoseph.html Akathist to St. Joseph the Betrothed] (Byzantine Catholic)

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==Structure==

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===Multimedia===

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The [[Trisagion Prayers]] are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a [[kontakion]] and an [[oikos]]. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a [[troparion]] and another kontakion. In some akathists, [[Psalms]] are also included.

[[Image:Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos icon.jpg|right|frame|Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos]]

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When the word ''akathist'' is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the [[Theotokos]], attributed to St. [[Roman the Melodist]] (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in [[Great Lent]]; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the [[Orthros]] of the fifth [[Saturday]] of [[Great Lent]]. In [[monastery|monasteries]] of [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at [[Compline]].

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The four sections into which the Akathist is divided correspond to the themes of the [[Annunciation]], [[Nativity]], [[Christ]], and the [[Theotokos]] herself.

+

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The hymn itself forms an alphabetical acrostic&mdash;that is, each ''oikos'' ("house," possibly from the Syriac terminology) begins with a letter of the Greek alphabet, in order&mdash;and it consists of twelve long and twelve short oikoi. Each of the long oikoi include a seven-line stanza followed by six couplets, employing rhyme, assonance, and alliteration, beginning with the word ''Chaire'' (translated as either "Hail!" or "Rejoice!") and ending with the refrain, "Hail, Bride without bridegroom!" In the short oikoi, the seven-line stanza is followed by the refrain, "[[Alleluia]]!"

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The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the ''Chairetismoi'' (from the ''Chaire!'' so often used in the hymn), consists of [[Compline]] with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the ''Madayeh''.

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'''Akathist of the'''

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*[[Nativity of the Theotokos|Birth of the Theotokos]]

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*[[Presentation of the Theotokos|Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple]]

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*[[Annunciation]]

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*[[Protection of the Mother of God|Protection (or Covering) of the Theotokos]]

*Akathist to the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord - [http://gnisios.narod.ru/aktomb.html 1] [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_elamaa_kantavalle_haudalle.htm 2] (Finnish)

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*Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ [http://www.ortodoksi.net/liturgiset_tekstit/akatistohymnit/akatistos_kuolleista_nousseelle_Kristukselle.htm 1] (Finnish)

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*Akathist "Glory to God for All Things" - The Akathist is often attributed to [[Priest]] Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to [[Metropolitan]] Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. [[John Chrysostom]] as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings. - [http://www.joyinsorrow.com/viewPrayer.asp?id=27 1], [http://www.stchcathedral.org.bh/snippets/akathist.htm 2]

Revision as of 02:15, May 31, 2013

An akathist (Greek, akathistos) is a hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The word akathist itself means "not sitting." The akathist par excellence is that written in the 6th century to the Theotokos. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during Great Lent), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, Chairetismoi and Madayeh, respectively.

The writing of akathists (occasionally spelled acathist) continues today as part of the general composition of an akolouthia, especially in the Slavic tradition, although not all are widely known nor translated beyond the original language. Isaac E. Lambertsen has done a large amount of translation work, including many different akathists. Most of the newer akathists are pastiche, that is, a generic form imitating the original 6th century akathist into which a particular saint's name is inserted.

Structure

The Trisagion Prayers are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a kontakion and an oikos. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: "Alleluia!" Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as "Come!" or "Rejoice!" The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a troparion and another kontakion. In some akathists, Psalms are also included.

Relating to the Theotokos

Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

When the word akathist is used alone, it most commonly refers to the original hymn by this name, the 6th century Akathist to the Theotokos, attributed to St. Roman the Melodist (though this attribution is hotly debated). This hymn is often split into four parts and sung at the "Salutations to the Theotokos" service on the first four Friday evenings in Great Lent; the entire Akathist is then sung on the fifth Friday evening. Traditionally it is included in the Orthros of the fifth Saturday of Great Lent. In monasteries of Athonite tradition, the whole Akathist is usually inserted nightly at Compline.

The hymn itself forms an alphabetical acrostic—that is, each oikos ("house," possibly from the Syriac terminology) begins with a letter of the Greek alphabet, in order—and it consists of twelve long and twelve short oikoi. Each of the long oikoi include a seven-line stanza followed by six couplets, employing rhyme, assonance, and alliteration, beginning with the word Chaire (translated as either "Hail!" or "Rejoice!") and ending with the refrain, "Hail, Bride without bridegroom!" In the short oikoi, the seven-line stanza is followed by the refrain, "Alleluia!"

The Salutations to the Theotokos service, often known by its Greek name, the Chairetismoi (from the Chaire! so often used in the hymn), consists of Compline with the Akathist hymn inserted. It is known in Arabic as the Madayeh.

The Akathist is often attributed to Priest Gregory Petrov who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940, but also to Metropolitan Tryphon (Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) +1934. The title is from the words of St. John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings.